§ MAJOR RASCH (Essex, Chelmsford)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can say what was the reserve of ammunition for rifle and field gun in September, 1899; what is now laid down as the necessary reserve; and what steps have been taken to secure that this reserve shall not be reduced.
§ * MR. BRODRICKIt is not desirable to state definitely the number of rounds of ammunition which are held in reserve in this country, but I will take care that an ample reserve is maintained.
§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)Is the statement correct that in January or February last the reserve was practically exhausted?
§ * MR. BRODRICKNo, Sir. If it had been I should not have answered this question.